When is it required?
All applications for new build dwellings outside settlement boundaries excluding agricultural workers dwellings, replacement dwellings or rural conversions or Class Q developments.
What is this?
A survey assessing the need in one or more civil parish council area. The survey must involve an appropriately designed questionnaire being delivered to all dwellings in the survey area. The submitted document should include all evidence including returned questionnaires and assessment. Where appropriate, the returned questionnaires will be treated as confidential. A housing needs survey should be no earlier than 3 years before the date of the planning application. For reserved matters applications where the outline was approved prior to October 2015, survey results must be provided with the reserved matters application.
Why is this required?
Unless supported by a ‘Made’ Neighbourhood Plan all applications for new build housing outside settlement boundaries must be supported by a Housing Needs Survey to demonstrate that there is an outstanding housing need that is not being met through the strategy identified in the Local Plan, or by housing developments granted planning permission.
.
National Planning Policy Framework (section 6)
East Staffordshire Local Plan policies SP1, SP4, SP16, SP17 and SP18
Further advice
Housing Choice SPD (Chapter 9 contains information on housing needs surveys)
Policies Maps (showing settlement boundaries)